The stage is set, and this year’s MLS Cup will be fought for between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the New England Revolution. The game could provide a storybook ending for arguably the greatest American soccer player of all time.
The Revolution advanced to the finals by defeating the New York Red Bulls 4-3 on aggregate. With a 2-1 victory in the first leg, the Revolution had the upper hand coming home, especially with road goals being the first tiebreaker. The Red Bulls took a 1-0 and a 2-1 lead, but both leads were erased by a Charlie Davies goal. The game would end in a 2-2 tie and an aggregate score of 4-3 favoring New England.
The end of the Red Bulls’ season also signaled the end of Thierry Henry’s career in New York. On Monday, Henry announced on the Red Bulls’ website that he will not be returning to the team next season. In regards to where he will be next year, he said, “I will now take the next few weeks to reflect and decide on the next chapter of my career.” Could Henry have played his last professional game, or is a return to Europe coming?
From one legend to another, as Landon Donovan and the Galaxy advanced on the road goals tiebreaker against the Seattle Sounders. The first leg ended in a 1-0 shutout in Los Angeles, putting the Galaxy at a clear advantage heading into Seattle. The Sounders were victorious in the second leg winning 2-1 and equaling the aggregate score at 2-2. However, since they were unable to score on the road, the Sounders were eliminated on the road goal tiebreaker 1-0, and Donovan’s career will have one more game.
The Revolution and Galaxy have plenty of star power to make for an exciting MLS Cup. Donovan will receive the majority of the press, since this will be the final game of his storied professional career. However, with Robbie Keane and Gyasi Zardes up front, the Galaxy have plenty of weapons at their disposal. Lee Nguyen leads the New England Revolution to the finals behind a possible MVP campaign, scoring 18 goals this season. Along his side is a familiar face from the United States National Team, Jermaine Jones. Jones and the resurgence of Davies provide a formidable supporting cast for Nguyen.
Despite the winner of this year’s MLS Cup, the season will ultimately be remembered for Donovan. He has become the face of both United States soccer and Major League Soccer, and the sport won’t be the same without him. The country will be watching as Donovan looks to close out his career as a champion.
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